gift

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gift" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a present someone gives to another person. For example, "The happy couple was showered with gifts on their wedding day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's a gift".

The New York Times

One voter chosen at random will receive £150 worth of gift vouchers for Nigel's Eco Store.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Teddy Roosevelt once observed that life's greatest gift is the opportunity to work hard at work worth doing.

The Guardian

The boom in gift cards is a kind of socially tolerable version of this: the cards are somehow more personal than cash, and they're also not going to be wasted on an unwanted gift.

The Economist

But Waldfogel's studies also suggest a very different solution: if most of the presents we buy are going to be less valuable in monetary terms than in sentimental ones, then there's no reason to believe that the more expensive gift is a better gift.

The Economist

I met him only after I became master of St Peter's College, Oxford, but he had a palpable gift for friendship and within minutes of our first encounter he was coming up with schemes and plots to help the college.

The Guardian

With a diverse range of courses taught by award-winning experts, you're sure to find a gift to make anyone's day – or a course that will transform your 2015.

The Guardian

Buy vouchers online any time, day or night, and have them delivered to the recipient either instantly by email, or have a gift pack sent in the post.

The Guardian

If I do undergo transplant surgery, I know it will mean that someone in his or her darkest moments of loss has reached out to a stranger and offered them a future with the gift of their loved one's organs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

'Take this farewell present, a gift from my wife,' he said.

The Guardian - Travel

Furniture sales were the strongest seen for some time and gift sales were up 18%.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gift" when referring to a natural talent or ability that someone possesses. This adds a layer of sophistication to your writing.

Common error

While "gift" and "present" are often interchangeable, using "gift" in more formal settings or when describing inherent talents adds a layer of sophistication. Avoid using "present" in situations where "gift" implies a unique ability or contribution.

Linguistic Context

The noun "gift" primarily functions as a noun, denoting something given voluntarily or a natural talent. Ludwig's examples showcase its use in various contexts, from physical objects to inherent abilities, aligning with the definition provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Lifestyle

15%

Travel

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "gift" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun, signifying something voluntarily given or a natural talent. As Ludwig AI confirms, "gift" is correct and usable in written English, functioning to express gratitude, celebrate occasions, or acknowledge abilities. Its usage spans across various contexts, most commonly in news, lifestyle, and travel writing, reflecting a neutral register suitable for broad communication. While synonyms like "present", "talent", and "donation" exist, the choice depends on the specific context. To enhance clarity, it's beneficial to specify the occasion or reason for giving a "gift" and to reserve it for formal settings or when describing inherent talents.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

present

A more common synonym referring to something given willingly to someone.

donation

Refers specifically to something given to a charity or cause.

talent

Describes a natural aptitude or skill.

contribution

Something given or supplied to help achieve something.

boon

Describes something beneficial or helpful.

grant

A sum of money given by a government or other organization for a particular purpose.

endowment

An income or form of property donated to an institution or individual as a source of income.

favour

An act of kindness beyond what is due or usual.

bestowal

The action of conferring something.

largesse

Generosity in bestowing money or gifts upon others.

FAQs

How can I use "gift" in a sentence?

You can use "gift" to refer to something given voluntarily, like "She received a beautiful "gift" for her birthday". It can also refer to a talent, such as "He has a "gift" for music".

What words can I use instead of "gift"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "present", "talent", "donation", or "boon".

Is it correct to say "gifted with" or "talented with"?

While both phrases can be used, "gifted with" is more common. For example, "She was "gifted with" a beautiful voice" is more frequently used than "She was talented with a beautiful voice", although both are grammatically acceptable.

What's the difference between "gift" and "present"?

"Gift" and "present" are often interchangeable, but "gift" can also refer to a natural talent or ability, whereas "present" typically refers to something given voluntarily.